Stone polishing: specific features and techniques

In order to best present and reveal the artistic intent of a building material or finishing substance, a variety of processing methods are used.. These methods include stone polishing. It allows you to add an exquisite mirror shine to the surface, as well as successfully emphasize the color of the material. Thanks to this method, you can give a second life to a damaged countertop, a scratched floor or other surfaces..

Technology relevance

Polishing stones allows you to achieve perfect flatness, beauty and smoothness, combined with an extraordinary shine. The material used is mainly granite. It gives a unique result that is impossible when polishing other stones..

Interesting! Rare breeds with a beautiful and even slightly peculiar surface pattern, as well as a unique color scheme, look prestigious. Black gabbro granite stands out especially. According to the radiation and hygienic characteristics, this breed belongs to the first class and has no restrictions on its use..

Initially, polishing technology was considered a specific abrasive method for changing the surface. However, in the future, this theory underwent a thorough revision. As a result, it has been determined that in some cases polishing results in softening of the outer layer of minerals. At the same time, granites, marbles, as well as a rare rock of gabbro are covered with a thin dusty mass. This formation fills micropores, which makes it possible to level the relief.

Important! This effect cannot be achieved if the surface is not sanded. However, certain types of natural stone are not polished. To understand the process, it is recommended to contact a professional (for example, Amigo Stone).

The main features of the technology

For polishing marble and granite, 2 types of paraphernalia are used. In the first case, this is technical equipment, and in the second, special formulations..

Chemicals help protect the stone from all kinds of damage and add extra shine to your parquet or countertop. The choice depends on the surface structure itself, as well as on the operating conditions. Such compositions include:

waxes for stone processing without special equipment;

polishing pastes;

powders.

From technical equipment, specialized polishing machines or a simple grinder equipped with a disc made of elastic material are used. Often it makes no sense to purchase expensive equipment if it will be used once. Polishing machines can be found in specialized companies. But to carry out the process with your own hands and improve the appearance of a small surface, it is enough to have a simple grinder.

Polishing technology

When using mechanical devices, safety precautions must be followed carefully. The work is carried out according to a certain scheme, which has been worked out over the years. If the granite slabs are laid on the base, then the seams should be cleaned. Degreasing and filling with two-component glue.

When the processes are complete, you need to level the surface. To do this, sanding is performed, rough scratches or chips are removed. Then the polishing itself is carried out directly. This will add saturation to the shade of the stone, creating an amazing effect of solidity of the surface..

To add a bright shine, special pastes are used for the final polishing. They enhance the look by creating a protective layer. The assortment of pasta is very large. Therefore, the choice should be approached responsibly, listening to the opinion of professionals..

The last stage is impregnation. This process consists in the application of a special impregnation, which prevents the absorption of liquid by the surface structure of the stone. Actually, this is all that makes grinding natural stone effective..

Crystallization of marble

This step is optional, but it helps to improve the condition of the stone. The technology is based on re-polishing using a special weakly acidic medium. It is not recommended to prepare such a composition on your own, as you can easily get confused with the proportions and harm.

Crystallization of marble is a process during which the surface softens slightly and then hardens. This makes it possible to eliminate chips and scratches, giving a mirror shine. This method allows you to protect the coating (this is especially true for floors).

Another attractive feature is the possibility of using conventional detergents for subsequent cleaning..